Thousands
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Thousands in the Bible?
The term 'thousand' in biblical Hebrew often denotes a military unit or clan rather than a precise numerical count of one thousand individuals.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing this distinction allows readers to accurately assess the scale of ancient Israelite society and military organization without relying on literal population figures that may not reflect historical reality.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Thousands. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Thousands in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Thousands clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Thousands." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/thousands/